Boats in the waters of Washington Island

The Underrated Midwest Beach That's Known For Its Crystal Clear Waters

By Laura Zbinden

VACATIONS

The American beach with the clearest water is Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island, Wisconsin, a coastal area that’s a charming and underrated vacation destination.
According to the vacation planning website the Florida Panhandle, Schoolhouse Beach had the most mentions of "clear waters," with over 33% of all public reviews noting it.
The shores of Schoolhouse Beach consist entirely of small limestone rocks that have been polished by glaciers and years of erosion from the waters of Lake Michigan.
While Schoolhouse isn't a typical beach with sandy shores, its clear waters make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can also take kayaks and paddle boards on the waters.
Since it's on Washington Island, getting to Schoolhouse Beach requires a boat ride. You can stay on the island at various hotels or the Washington Island Campground.